Henry River Mill Village

Look familiar? The house on the left served as Katniss Everdeen’s family shack in The Hunger Games. Journey 70 miles northwest of Charlotte, NC, to see it in an abandoned textile village (Henry River Mill Village), in the town of Hildebran.9601280

Look familiar? The house on the left served as Katniss Everdeen’s family shack in The Hunger Games. Journey 70 miles northwest of Charlotte, NC, to see it in an abandoned textile village (Henry River Mill Village), in the town of Hildebran.

VisitNC.com

Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway

Follow this path: Craggy Gardens, on the Blue Ridge Parkway, leads you to Craggy Pinnacle -- a nearly 6,000-foot elevation from which you can see North Fork Reservoir, where The Hunger Games’ Cornucopia scenes were filmed.9601280

Follow this path: Craggy Gardens, on the Blue Ridge Parkway, leads you to Craggy Pinnacle -- a nearly 6,000-foot elevation from which you can see North Fork Reservoir, where The Hunger Games’ Cornucopia scenes were filmed.

Bridal Veil Falls

During the film’s flame fight, Katniss races toward a pool of water -- in real life, it’s at the bottom of Bridal Veil Falls at DuPont State Recreational Forest.9601280

During the film’s flame fight, Katniss races toward a pool of water -- in real life, it’s at the bottom of Bridal Veil Falls at DuPont State Recreational Forest.

VisitNC.com

Nantahala Outdoor Center

Nantahala Outdoor Center

Hone your survival skills at Nantahala Outdoor Center, near the Great Smoky Mountains. Go whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River -- first, with a practice run along 8 miles of easy Class 2 rapids, then a Class 3 whitewater run toward Nantahala Falls.9601280

Hone your survival skills at Nantahala Outdoor Center, near the Great Smoky Mountains. Go whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River -- first, with a practice run along 8 miles of easy Class 2 rapids, then a Class 3 whitewater run toward Nantahala Falls.

VisitNC.com

Navitat Canopy Adventures

Navitat Canopy Adventures

In tribute to Rue -- District 11’s competitor -- soar above the treetops near Pisgah National Forest. The Hunger Games’ Josh Hutchinson and then-girlfriend Vanessa Hudgens zip-lined in the area during some downtime.9601280

In tribute to Rue -- District 11’s competitor -- soar above the treetops near Pisgah National Forest. The Hunger Games’ Josh Hutchinson and then-girlfriend Vanessa Hudgens zip-lined in the area during some downtime.

Navitat Canopy Adventures

Asheville’s Troy & Sons

Asheville’s Troy & Sons

And when you’ve conquered North Carolina’s rivers and treetops, try some moonshine -- legal, of course -- from Asheville’s Troy & Sons, made just the way Haymitch would have liked it.9601280

And when you’ve conquered North Carolina’s rivers and treetops, try some moonshine -- legal, of course -- from Asheville’s Troy & Sons, made just the way Haymitch would have liked it.

Troy & Sons

US National Whitewater Center

US National Whitewater Center

When he wasn’t training Jennifer Lawrence’s character to kill or be killed, Woody Harrelson (Haymitch Abernathy) visited the US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC. Woody climbed the outdoor recreation center’s 46-foot rock wall.9601280

When he wasn’t training Jennifer Lawrence’s character to kill or be killed, Woody Harrelson (Haymitch Abernathy) visited the US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC. Woody climbed the outdoor recreation center’s 46-foot rock wall.

VisitNC.com

Amelies French Bakery

Amelies French Bakery

During filming, Woody Harrelson also dropped by this 24-hour café -- in Charlotte’s NoDa (North of Davidson Street) neighborhood -- to play chess with the regulars. Here’s a look at the café’s signature style: handmade light fixtures.9601280

During filming, Woody Harrelson also dropped by this 24-hour café -- in Charlotte’s NoDa (North of Davidson Street) neighborhood -- to play chess with the regulars. Here’s a look at the café’s signature style: handmade light fixtures.

VisitNC.com

Knight Theater in Charlotte

Knight Theater in Charlotte

The Knight Theater was where creepy Caesar Flickerman (Stanley Tucci) interviews each Tribute. Head to the 1,191-seat performing arts venue in Charlotte, NC, for concerts, theater … and a look at where Caesar talks “lamb stew” with Katniss.9601280

The Knight Theater was where creepy Caesar Flickerman (Stanley Tucci) interviews each Tribute. Head to the 1,191-seat performing arts venue in Charlotte, NC, for concerts, theater … and a look at where Caesar talks “lamb stew” with Katniss.

VisitNC.com

Shelby, North Carolina

Shelby, North Carolina

Much of film's Reaping and Hob scenes took place in private warehouses like this, in Shelby, NC. Soak up the local atmosphere at shops and restaurants at the intersection of Lafayette and Marion streets.9601280

Much of film's Reaping and Hob scenes took place in private warehouses like this, in Shelby, NC. Soak up the local atmosphere at shops and restaurants at the intersection of Lafayette and Marion streets.

VisitNC.com

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National Finals Rodeo

A cowboy casts a cool look during the National Finals Rodeo, popularly known as the “Super Bowl of rodeo.” The 10-day event, held each year in Las Vegas, determines the world champ in 7 main events, including bareback riding, steer wrestling and team roping.

When to go: First full week of December9601280

A cowboy casts a cool look during the National Finals Rodeo, popularly known as the “Super Bowl of rodeo.” The 10-day event, held each year in Las Vegas, determines the world champ in 7 main events, including bareback riding, steer wrestling and team roping.

When to go: First full week of December

PRCA ProRodeo Photo/Tom Donoghue

Caldwell Night Rodeo

Caldwell Night Rodeo

The cowboys are the stars at this annual 5-day rodeo event. Held in the Boise metro area, Caldwell Night Rodeo draws crowds of more than 40,000 people, eager to see the big draw: many of the world’s top professional cowboys who make Caldwell Night Rodeo an annual stop on their circuit.

When to go: Mid-August9601280

The cowboys are the stars at this annual 5-day rodeo event. Held in the Boise metro area, Caldwell Night Rodeo draws crowds of more than 40,000 people, eager to see the big draw: many of the world’s top professional cowboys who make Caldwell Night Rodeo an annual stop on their circuit.

When to go: Mid-August

CNR/Jim Babb

Pendleton Round-Up

Pendleton Round-Up

Ready for some bulldogging? A cowboy reaches for a steer’s horns at the Pendleton Round-Up, one of the 10 largest rodeos in the world. Started in 1910, the annual rodeo event draws crowds of 50,000 to Pendleton, OR, where the town’s motto is, “The Real West.”

When to go: Mid-September9601280

Ready for some bulldogging? A cowboy reaches for a steer’s horns at the Pendleton Round-Up, one of the 10 largest rodeos in the world. Started in 1910, the annual rodeo event draws crowds of 50,000 to Pendleton, OR, where the town’s motto is, “The Real West.”

When to go: Mid-September

William Mancebo

Dodge City Roundup Rodeo

Dodge City Roundup Rodeo

Western heritage -- and big bucks -- draw championship cowboys and cowgirls to the annual Dodge City Roundup. Since its start in 1977, the 10-day event has grown to include a payout of nearly $254,000, alongside an audience of more than 100,000 people.

When to go: Late July to early August9601280

Western heritage -- and big bucks -- draw championship cowboys and cowgirls to the annual Dodge City Roundup. Since its start in 1977, the 10-day event has grown to include a payout of nearly $254,000, alongside an audience of more than 100,000 people.

When to go: Late July to early August

Kansas Tourism

Cheyenne Frontier Days

Cheyenne Frontier Days

The granddaddy of rodeo events, Cheyenne Frontier Days has been held in its namesake Wyoming town since 1897. The outdoor rodeo and western celebration features hundreds of horses performing rodeo events and track acts. The annual event draws nearly 200,000 people, with a whopping 100,000 free pancakes served by the local Kiwanis club.

When to go: Last full week of July9601280

The granddaddy of rodeo events, Cheyenne Frontier Days has been held in its namesake Wyoming town since 1897. The outdoor rodeo and western celebration features hundreds of horses performing rodeo events and track acts. The annual event draws nearly 200,000 people, with a whopping 100,000 free pancakes served by the local Kiwanis club.

When to go: Last full week of July

William Mancebo, Getty Images

Ellensburg Rodeo

Ellensburg Rodeo

After more than 75 years, the Ellensburg Rodeo in Washington State has grown from a local competition among ranch hands to a leading rodeo festival: More than 600 contestants vie for prize money in excess of $400,000. In the Pacific Northwest, the rodeo is second in size only to the Calgary Stampede in Alberta, Canada.

When to go: Labor Day weekend9601280

After more than 75 years, the Ellensburg Rodeo in Washington State has grown from a local competition among ranch hands to a leading rodeo festival: More than 600 contestants vie for prize money in excess of $400,000. In the Pacific Northwest, the rodeo is second in size only to the Calgary Stampede in Alberta, Canada.

When to go: Labor Day weekend

Debra Feinman, iStock

Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo

Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo

For 23 heart-pounding days, the annual Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo puts on quite a show at the Will Rogers Memorial Center. The annual event, which draws a crowd of 900,000, showcases the world’s original indoor rodeo, with 36 performances of professional rodeo on display, such as calf roping.

When to go: Mid-January to early February9601280

For 23 heart-pounding days, the annual Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo puts on quite a show at the Will Rogers Memorial Center. The annual event, which draws a crowd of 900,000, showcases the world’s original indoor rodeo, with 36 performances of professional rodeo on display, such as calf roping.

When to go: Mid-January to early February

Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau

Nebraskaland Days

Nebraskaland Days

Wild West showman Buffalo Bill considered North Platte, NE, his hometown, and went on to found modern-day rodeo in the city. Today, the legacy continues with Nebraskaland Days: The largest rodeo event in western Nebraska showcases parades, art shows, concerts, food events and, of course, rodeos.

When to go: Mid-June 9601280

Wild West showman Buffalo Bill considered North Platte, NE, his hometown, and went on to found modern-day rodeo in the city. Today, the legacy continues with Nebraskaland Days: The largest rodeo event in western Nebraska showcases parades, art shows, concerts, food events and, of course, rodeos.

When to go: Mid-June

George Hipple Photography

Yellowstone Rodeo

Yellowstone Rodeo

Exciting rodeo action mixes with stunning mountain sunsets at the annual Yellowstone Rodeo in southwestern Montana. The annual event showcases the big rodeo draws -- including bareback bronc riding, bull riding, team roping and saddle broc riding -- as well as a “calf scramble” event in which kids can safely compete.

When to go: June through early September9601280

Exciting rodeo action mixes with stunning mountain sunsets at the annual Yellowstone Rodeo in southwestern Montana. The annual event showcases the big rodeo draws -- including bareback bronc riding, bull riding, team roping and saddle broc riding -- as well as a “calf scramble” event in which kids can safely compete.

When to go: June through early September

William Campbell, Getty Images

National Western Stock Show

National Western Stock Show

Now in its 106th year, the National Western Stock Show in Denver spans 16 days, and a 100-acre show ground home to the second largest rodeo in the United States. Hands-on animal exhibits feature 15,000 head of horses, cattle, sheep, alpacas, llamas and more -- plus, a chance for the little ones to go giddy-up.

When to go: Last 2 weeks in January9601280

Now in its 106th year, the National Western Stock Show in Denver spans 16 days, and a 100-acre show ground home to the second largest rodeo in the United States. Hands-on animal exhibits feature 15,000 head of horses, cattle, sheep, alpacas, llamas and more -- plus, a chance for the little ones to go giddy-up.

When to go: Last 2 weeks in January

National Western Stock Show

RodeoHouston

RodeoHouston

For the world’s largest live entertainment and livestock show, head to Houston’s Reliant Stadium. In 2012, this massive 1,900,000-square-foot facility hosted the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo -- and a whole lot of animals: 26,305 livestock and horse show exhibitors competed for a shot at a Houston championship.

When to go: Late February to mid-March9601280

For the world’s largest live entertainment and livestock show, head to Houston’s Reliant Stadium. In 2012, this massive 1,900,000-square-foot facility hosted the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo -- and a whole lot of animals: 26,305 livestock and horse show exhibitors competed for a shot at a Houston championship.

When to go: Late February to mid-March

Matthew Ashton/AMA, Getty Images

Reno Rodeo

Reno Rodeo

Billed as the “wildest, richest rodeo in the West,” the Reno Rodeo spans 10 days and attracts more than 140,000 fans. Events include a Miss Reno Rodeo Queen pageant, cattle drive, carnival rides and the Xtreme Bull Riding Tour stop, featuring 40 of the world’s best pro bull riders.

When to go: Late June9601280

Billed as the “wildest, richest rodeo in the West,” the Reno Rodeo spans 10 days and attracts more than 140,000 fans. Events include a Miss Reno Rodeo Queen pageant, cattle drive, carnival rides and the Xtreme Bull Riding Tour stop, featuring 40 of the world’s best pro bull riders.

When to go: Late June

Courtesy of Reno Rodeo

Florence Junior Parada

Florence Junior Parada

The world’s oldest continuous junior rodeo finds its home in Florence, AZ. Eighty years since its start, the annual Florence Junior Parada rodeo draws hundreds of future PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Assocation) cowboys and cowgirls, ages 5 to 18, to compete in rodeo events such as team roping, breakaway roping and even bull riding.

When to go: Late November 9601280

The world’s oldest continuous junior rodeo finds its home in Florence, AZ. Eighty years since its start, the annual Florence Junior Parada rodeo draws hundreds of future PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Assocation) cowboys and cowgirls, ages 5 to 18, to compete in rodeo events such as team roping, breakaway roping and even bull riding.

Ironman World Championship (Kailua-Kona, HI)

See some of the world’s most elite athletes compete in the big daddy of Ironman events. More than 2,000 athletes from around the world will set out on a 140.6-mile triathlon race from Kona, HI. Come as a participant, spectator or volunteer because this is one competition you won’t soon forget. 9601280

See some of the world’s most elite athletes compete in the big daddy of Ironman events. More than 2,000 athletes from around the world will set out on a 140.6-mile triathlon race from Kona, HI. Come as a participant, spectator or volunteer because this is one competition you won’t soon forget.

Reuters

New York Comic Con

New York Comic Con

Gear up as the X-Men or any other favorite action hero at the largest comic and pop culture celebration on the East Coast. Showcasing the latest in comics, graphic novels, video games, anime and more, New York Comic Con kicks off at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.9601280

Gear up as the X-Men or any other favorite action hero at the largest comic and pop culture celebration on the East Coast. Showcasing the latest in comics, graphic novels, video games, anime and more, New York Comic Con kicks off at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

Getty Images

Taste of DC

Taste of DC

What better place to enjoy Columbus Day weekend than in the city that bears the famed explorer’s name? Head to Washington, DC, for a Taste of DC, an annual showcase featuring more than 40 area restaurants and live musical performances.9601280

What better place to enjoy Columbus Day weekend than in the city that bears the famed explorer’s name? Head to Washington, DC, for a Taste of DC, an annual showcase featuring more than 40 area restaurants and live musical performances.

USDAgov/ Lance Cheung, flickr

Shocktoberfest (Sinking Spring, PA)

Shocktoberfest (Sinking Spring, PA)

Experience the Unknown at Shocktoberfest in Sinking Spring, PA. Halloween revelers can take the “Almost” Naked and Scared Challenge and explore this spooky house in nothing but their, um, knickers. 9601280

Experience the Unknown at Shocktoberfest in Sinking Spring, PA. Halloween revelers can take the “Almost” Naked and Scared Challenge and explore this spooky house in nothing but their, um, knickers.

Shocktoberfest

Acadia National Park (Maine)

Acadia National Park (Maine)

Catch a glimpse of Maine’s gorgeous fall colors at Acadia National Park this month. Each October, 600,000 visitors enter the park, but with 47,000 acres to explore, you’ll have plenty of leaf-peeping options. Looking for something closer to home? Check out our favorite fall foliage road trips.9601280

Catch a glimpse of Maine’s gorgeous fall colors at Acadia National Park this month. Each October, 600,000 visitors enter the park, but with 47,000 acres to explore, you’ll have plenty of leaf-peeping options. Looking for something closer to home? Check out our favorite fall foliage road trips.

Getty Images

Race for the Cure

Race for the Cure

On your mark, get set … join one of the hundreds of Race for the Cure events taking place in cities across the US this month. Go pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month at any number of walks and races occurring nationwide, and make it a Pinktober to remember.9601280

On your mark, get set … join one of the hundreds of Race for the Cure events taking place in cities across the US this month. Go pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month at any number of walks and races occurring nationwide, and make it a Pinktober to remember.

Getty Images

Autumn Color Fly-Drive (West Virginia)

Autumn Color Fly-Drive (West Virginia)

Another great fall leaf-peeping option: the Mountain State. As America’s third-most-forested state, West Virginia boasts 36 state parks and 6 national parks — together, they’re home to more than 200,000 acres of fall-foliage wonder like this.9601280

Another great fall leaf-peeping option: the Mountain State. As America’s third-most-forested state, West Virginia boasts 36 state parks and 6 national parks — together, they’re home to more than 200,000 acres of fall-foliage wonder like this.

iStock

Austin City Limits (Austin, TX)

Austin City Limits (Austin, TX)

Head to the most extraordinary 3-day music fest of its kind in the US. Held each year in Austin’s Zilker Park, Austin City Limits draws more than 130 music acts, showcasing the best in indie, rock, country and more, across 8 stages. This year, the music fest will unfold over 2 consecutive weekends.9601280

Head to the most extraordinary 3-day music fest of its kind in the US. Held each year in Austin’s Zilker Park, Austin City Limits draws more than 130 music acts, showcasing the best in indie, rock, country and more, across 8 stages. This year, the music fest will unfold over 2 consecutive weekends.

Ashley Garmon

Pumpkin House (Kenova, WV)

Pumpkin House (Kenova, WV)

Take in a display of 3,000 hand-carved pumpkins at the famous Pumpkin House in Kenova, WV. This illuminated wonder, which welcomes nearly 30,000 visitors each year, takes center stage at a Victorian house, dating back to 1891, at 748 Beech St. In times past, the house won fame for securing a visit from President Grover Cleveland; in recent years, it’s garnered national media attention for its number of glowing jack-o'-lanterns.9601280

Take in a display of 3,000 hand-carved pumpkins at the famous Pumpkin House in Kenova, WV. This illuminated wonder, which welcomes nearly 30,000 visitors each year, takes center stage at a Victorian house, dating back to 1891, at 748 Beech St. In times past, the house won fame for securing a visit from President Grover Cleveland; in recent years, it’s garnered national media attention for its number of glowing jack-o'-lanterns.

Grand Canyon (Arizona)

Grand Canyon (Arizona)

Take advantage of off-season travel to popular landmarks such as the Grand Canyon. Each October, the 1.2-million-acre park sees half its summer crowds. Enjoy cooler temperatures (in the 70s), as well as the deepening colors of aspen, oak and birch trees that adorn this national treasure.9601280

Take advantage of off-season travel to popular landmarks such as the Grand Canyon. Each October, the 1.2-million-acre park sees half its summer crowds. Enjoy cooler temperatures (in the 70s), as well as the deepening colors of aspen, oak and birch trees that adorn this national treasure.

Thinkstock

MLB World Series

MLB World Series

Head to one of America’s most iconic baseball stadiums and take in the spirit of the World Series, which is expected to kick off Oct. 27. One of our favorite stadiums remains Yankees Stadium, home to 27 World Series wins. Whatever your stadium of choice, you’re likely to have a hard time passing up all the mouthwatering ballpark food.9601280

Head to one of America’s most iconic baseball stadiums and take in the spirit of the World Series, which is expected to kick off Oct. 27. One of our favorite stadiums remains Yankees Stadium, home to 27 World Series wins. Whatever your stadium of choice, you’re likely to have a hard time passing up all the mouthwatering ballpark food.

Getty Images

Get Lost in a Corn Maze (Spring Grove, IL)

Get Lost in a Corn Maze (Spring Grove, IL)

Wind your way through 33 acres of corn in one of the world’s largest corn mazes at Richardson Farm in Spring Grove, IL. After you find your way out of the maze, enjoy other family-fun activities, including a pumpkin patch, hayride and zip line. 9601280

Wind your way through 33 acres of corn in one of the world’s largest corn mazes at Richardson Farm in Spring Grove, IL. After you find your way out of the maze, enjoy other family-fun activities, including a pumpkin patch, hayride and zip line.

Michael Kappel, Flickr

Chicago Marathon

Chicago Marathon

Lace up your running shoes and head to the Windy City for the Chicago Marathon. One of the 6 major marathons, this annual race welcomes both elite athletes and everyday runners from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. Even if you’re not participating, join runners as they cross the finish line in Chicago’s Grant Park for the post-race party, which features live entertainment and vendors. 9601280

Lace up your running shoes and head to the Windy City for the Chicago Marathon. One of the 6 major marathons, this annual race welcomes both elite athletes and everyday runners from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. Even if you’re not participating, join runners as they cross the finish line in Chicago’s Grant Park for the post-race party, which features live entertainment and vendors.